NAMPA, ID – A gut punch of a loss.

Despite trailing by nearly 20 points, Central Washington was able to put together a second half rally and notch a 70-65 win against Colorado Christian.

The Cougars held a 17-point lead less than a minute into the second frame before Central Washington began its comeback.

HOW IT HAPPENED: A majority of the first 15 minutes were tightly contested as neither team held a lead larger than six points during that time frame. After the Wildcats hit a pair of free throws with 5:04 left until halftime, Colorado Christian build a substantial advantage. Already leading 23-21, the Cougars completed the half on a 16-3 scoring spurt. In building their 39-24 halftime edge, Colorado Christian scored on six of their final nine possessions of the stanza.

Spencer Hoffman hit a jumper to start the second half and it looked as if the Cougars were in prime position for their first win of 2019. However, Central Washington methodically chipped away at their deficit. With 7:32 remaining, Xavier Smith converted a lay-up as he brought his team with one-point (54-53). Despite losing their big lead, Colorado Christian stayed composed and continued to stay in front.

With just under five minutes left the Wildcats took their first lead of the second half after Micah Pollard put his team ahead 59-58. They never trailed again. In trying to regain the lead, the Cougars offense couldn't find a rhythm as they went 3-for-11 from the floor over the last 4:51.

COUGAR LEADERS: Jake Hornick led the team in points (18) and assists (6) while playing a team high 37 minutes. Justin Engesser chipped in a 12-point, seven-rebound effort. Luke Martin was perfect from the three-point line as he scored all nine of his points from behind the arc.  

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

• Colorado Christian committed a season low eight turnovers while forcing 11
• Central Washington hit eight field goal attempts in the first half, 16 in the second half
• The Cougars went 4-for-4 from the foul line but didn't shoot one in the final stanza
• From the behind the arc, the Cougars went 7-for-11 in the first 20 minutes

UP NEXT: Colorado Christian is off the next week-plus before traveling to Bozeman, MT for an exhibition game against NCAA Division I Montana State on Tuesday, Nov. 26.